There is an increasing demand for mechatronic systems that require the effective integration of subsystems from different engineering domains (eg mechanisms, electric motors, electric circuits and controllers). Traditionally modeling such systems have been a major challenge but emerging physical modeling tools have greatly simplified this task.
Furthermore, the complexity of these systems requires that a significant amount of up-front testing is performed to ensure the correct behavior of the system before investment in the full prototype is considered. This means that the integration of these systems is typically a process of testing real subcomponents with “virtual” components, running on high-performance real-time simulators so that they behave as if they are installed in the full system. This “Hardware-in-the-Loop” (HIL) testing is rapidly becoming a critical part of the design process for mechatronic systems because it helps to identify design flaws and significantly increases the likelihood of a successful – and lower cost – prototyping stage.
The seminar features experts from two of the leading engineering modeling and real-time simulation tool providers. They will present an overview of modeling and simulation of complex engineering systems using physical modeling techniques derived from symbolic model formulation techniques, and the advantages this brings for implementation in real-time simulation systems for HIL testing.
To illustrate this process, applications will be presented using MapleSim for multi-domain system model development, and deployment to the range of real-time simulation platforms from National Instruments. This will feature the new real-time testing software, NI VeriStand™, a ready-to-use software environment for configuring real-time testing applications, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems.
Presenters:
Chris Washington, Senior Product Manager - Real-Time Testing & HIL Simulation, National Instruments
During his tenure at NI, Washington spent three years in Detroit, MI, as a field engineer where he provided consulting and support services for various applications, such as hardware-in-the-loop simulation; rapid control prototyping; noise, vibration, and harshness testing; in-vehicle data logging; and real-time test cell development. Additionally, Washington has worked as an applications engineer and a LabVIEW instructor. He received his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University with a focus on digital electronics and control systems.
Paul Goossens, Director, Applications Engineering, Maplesoft
Paul directs the Applications Engineering Group that supports Maplesoft’s new line of engineering modeling products. A mechanical engineer by background, Paul has over 20 years of experience in both engineering and software business management. Past positions included senior management positions for companies in engineering modeling solutions and high-performance real-time simulations.
